JSG ESTATE LIQUIDATION

This is a Höfner Shorty bass guitar, one of the most recognizable compact/travel electric bass guitars ever produced by the legendary German manufacturer Karl Höfner GmbH & Co., founded in 1887 in Schönbach, Bavaria. The Shorty series was introduced in the 1980s as a short-scale travel bass, featuring a distinctive asymmetrical offset body design with a natural walnut or mahogany finish that showcases the wood grain beautifully. This example features a solid wood body in a warm natural brown finish, a rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays on a bolt-on maple neck, and the iconic Höfner script logo in gold on the black headstock overlay. A notable and significant modification has been made to this instrument: the original Höfner pickups have been replaced with an EMG active humbucker pickup at the neck position and what appears to be a second EMG unit, both mounted on a black pickguard — a popular upgrade among players seeking higher output and noise-free performance. The bridge is a simple flat-plate style unit consistent with Höfner Shorty specifications, showing honest wear and patina. The tuning machines are the original Höfner-style open-gear chrome units, with one tuner key appearing to be a replacement or missing its button on the bass side. The instrument is housed in a fitted aluminum-shell hard case with gray plush interior, which provides excellent protection for travel. This bass was played by the band Steppenwolf. No Certificate of Authenticity included. Condition is rated Good to Very Good: the body shows light surface scratches and playing wear consistent with regular use, the frets appear to have reasonable life remaining, the bridge plate shows oxidation and surface scratching, one tuner key appears to have a missing or replaced button, and the case lining shows minor wear. The EMG pickup modification appears professionally routed. A small hardware bag is included in the case. Overall a playable, road-worthy travel bass with a significant active pickup upgrade, ideal for gigging musicians or collectors of vintage German instruments.